New research by global research consultancy Povaddo LLC has revealed that 65 percent of employees want their CEO to publicly take a stand on environmental and social issues.
Respondents were presented with a list of 23 social and environmental issues and asked, “Would you like to see your employer use its influence to take a public stand and/or be more vocal on any of the following issues?” Renewable energy and climate change were identified as the top issues they would like to see their employers address, as well as clean air, water and open spaces and improving public education. Furthermore, 82 percent of employees said that they wanted their CEO to rally support inside their company and 79 percent want their CEO to oppose government attempts that run counter to their company’s position.
“Our survey suggests that a strong majority of employees expect their CEO to demonstrate leadership on important societal issues and a distinct subset of employees want to build support for these issues inside their company,” said William Stewart, president and co-founder of Povaddo. “CEOs and their companies would be well served if they harnessed their employees’ passion on these issues and develop strategies to engage them.”
Povaddo’s survey, U.S. Workforce Social Engagement Barometer, will be released in May and presented in detail at SB ’17 Detroit. Fielded by Research Now among 1,236 participants between April 3–10, the survey was developed to understand and benchmark attitudes of workers across corporate America about social activism and engagement.
Get the latest insights, trends, and innovations to help position yourself at the forefront of sustainable business leadership—delivered straight to your inbox.
Published Apr 27, 2017 4pm EDT / 1pm PDT / 9pm BST / 10pm CEST